In just a couple of weeks, a very important bill will be introduced to the Utah State legislature. Proposed by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and sponsored by Senator Stuart Adams and Representative Eric Hutchings, the "Justice Reinvestment" legislation will enact many moderate – but very significant - criminal justice reforms. You can read about all 18 recommendations here.

Already, state leaders are getting resistance - from county sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys - to recommendations to REDUCE DRUG-RELATED PENALTIES. One recommendation, in particular, could help hundreds of drug-addicted people:

1) not forcing them to serve time in prison just to get drug treatment2) not branding them "drug felons" for the rest of their lives.

This recommendation would change the penalty for simple drug possession from a Third Degree Felony (at least one to five years in prison) to a Class A Misdemeanor (up to one year in jail, and up to $2,500 in fines). Clearly, this is a far cry from de-criminalization...but it's a fair step in the right direction. The ACLU of Utah fully endorses this policy change, and we need YOU to endorse it, too!

Right now, the Governor is hearing from law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys who say that this reform is not a good idea. That is why he needs to hear from YOU, too - you must let the Governor know that you are one of plenty of Utahns that think the Justice Reinvestment reforms - ALL of them! - will be a positive move forward for our state.

It is also important to let Legislative leaders know that you support these reforms.

Make Your Voice Heard!Join us on Feb 10, 12:00 pm, to RALLY FOR REFORMat the Utah State Capitol

P.S. To receive weekly updates about criminal justice issues and reform efforts in Utah, please send a request to ACLU of Utah Public Policy Advocate This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..